The use of clays in aesthetic treatments is called clay therapy or geotherapy and consists of the use of mineral resources, employed for the purpose of promoting aesthetic therapeutic effects in various parts of the body. Clays are earthy and solid natural cosmetics that, in Brazil, are intended for external (topical) use.
Clay therapy consists of preparing clays with aqueous solutions at the time of use, which can range from drinking water (filtered or boiled) to more elaborate cosmetic formulations that contain amino acids, vitamins, moisturizers or other active ingredients that are absent in clays. In other words, these active ingredients act as an additive effect to the protocol. Another way of using clays is by adding them to cosmetic formulations such as shampoos, soaps, masks, exfoliants, among others.
Variety of Clays in Clay Therapy
Since the chemical composition of the clays used in clay therapy procedures varies greatly, their colors and cosmetic properties follow these variations and are related to the effects they have on the skin. Each chemical composition (aluminum silicate, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, potassium, sodium, quartz, pyrite, calcite, among others) enhances certain effects, depending on their concentration, since in very small concentrations they are called trace elements. Both promote cosmetic effects such as catalysis of the synthesis reactions of enzymes, hormones and vitamins.
Extraction and Purification of Clays
The extraction of clays from Grandha occurs directly from the soil. Then, they go to the impurities separation stage, are sanitized, micronized and sieved (a “sieve” system for standardizing and calibrating the size of the granules). After being in the industry, undergo the radiation disinfection system, which eliminates the presence of microorganisms.
This radiation disinfection process is quite unusual in Brazil, because it involves high production costs. Grandha, however, chose to bet on the absolute purity of its clays as a technical differential, in order to guarantee above-average results.
These processes of standardization of granule sizes and disinfection provide us with a safe cosmetic with a high release power of active ingredients. This detail is crucial for comfort when applying to the skin and scalp, in addition to facilitating preparation and increasing yield. Clays ready for use in aesthetic protocols undergo chemical, physical and toxicological specifications, purity, water content and microbiological contamination.
In hair, body and facial aesthetics, clays are used to: alleviate inflammation, lighten the skin, beautify, absorb sebum, antisepsis, hydrate, increase vascularization and eliminate toxins, actions attributed to minerals.
References:
[1] LIMAS, JR; R. DUARTE; MOSER, DK Clay therapy: a new alternative for treatments against seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. 2018.
[2] FARIA, BS; JALIL, SMA The use of clay therapy and essential oils in the treatment of dandruff and seborrhea. Rev. Conexão Eletrônica – Três Lagoas, MS – Volume 16 – Number 1 – Year 2019
[3] MORAES, et al., Clay minerals: properties and applications to dermocosmetic products and perspectives of natural raw materials for therapeutic purposes: a review. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2017